Kwara State House of Assembly has urgently called for government intervention to combat the alarming rise in youth vaping and e-cigarette use, warning of severe health risks and widespread accessibility to minors.

During Tuesday's plenary session chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, Honourable Arinola Fatima Lawal (Ilorin East) tabled a motion highlighting vaping as a "silent epidemic" targeting young people. She revealed that e-cigarettes initially marketed to help smokers quit are now luring youths through stylish designs, fruit-flavoured pods, and discreet usage, with some products containing nicotine levels equivalent to 20 traditional cigarettes.

Hon. Lawal stressed: "Minors are buying these in open markets and schools. What began as a cessation tool has become a gateway to addiction for our children." The Assembly urged immediate action including:

Stricter enforcement of age verification for e-cigarette sales

Banning flavoured nicotine products

Public health campaigns targeting schools and rural communities

Collaboration with NAFDAC to regulate illicit imports

The motion follows WHO data showing Nigeria's youth vaping rates surged by 300% since 2022, with Kwara recording 42% of users aged 13-19.

"The youth are drawn to these products because of social influence, peer pressure, and misleading marketing campaigns that downplay their dangers," she said. "Unfortunately, many are unaware that these devices contain harmful chemicals, carcinogens and substances that can trigger heart and lung diseases, as well as mental health issues."

Several lawmakers, including Hon. Ogunniyi David Sheun (Ojomu/Balogun), Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu (Owode/Onire), and Hon. Bamigboye Joseph Olajire (Oke-Ero), also voiced supports for the motion, noting the urgent need for preventive education and enforcement.

The House unanimously resolved to urge the Kwara State Governor Mallam AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq to direct key ministries to take immediate steps to address the issue.

Among the key ministries, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, will launch continuous public awareness campaigns targeting both youths and retailers.

Besides, comprehensive anti-tobacco education programmes are to be introduced in secondary and tertiary institutions across the state.

Parents, teachers, religious and community leaders are encouraged to start open conversations with youths about the dangers of vaping.

The Ministry of Justice is to strengthen enforcement measures, including legal actions and bans on advertising, sponsorship, and digital promotion of vaping products.

Tougher regulations on the sale of e-cigarettes to minors are to be introduced, along with penalties for violators.

"This is not just a public health concern; it's a social responsibility," said Hon. Lawal. "We must protect the next generation from preventable harm."

In other proceedings, three committee reports were presented and considered:

The Ethics, Privileges and Judiciary Committee submitted its reports on the Secret Cults and Secret Societies (Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Kwara State Prohibition of Kidnapping (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Committee presented its report on the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) (Amendment) Bill.

After deliberations at the Committee of the Whole, the House ordered a third reading and final passage of the three bills. The Clerk was instructed to prepare clean copies for the Governor's assent.

The session was adjourned following a motion moved by the Deputy House Leader, Hon. Abdularaheem Medinat Motunrayo (Lanwa/Ejidongari), and seconded by Hon. Babatunde Ayi Olatundun (Ilorin North-West)